Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Elevated AFP levels persist, and abdominal ultrasound shows no abnormalities? On May 25, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up. On June 21, I received the report indicating that my Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) level, which is a marker for liver cancer, was elevated at 19.3. On J...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Please cherish our online medical resources. When asking the same question, please specify only one physician/nutritionist. Faye / 30 years old / Female Hello. I apologize for the delayed response as I was abroad. 1. I would like to ask if there are any other benign conditio...[Read More] Elevated AFP Levels with Normal Ultrasound: What Could It Mean?
Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal elevation of AFP levels? Hello, I underwent a physical examination on May 25th, where it was found that my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated at 19.3. Other liver function tests, including GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin, were all normal. A...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Faye / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. Please refer to the first response. 2. If the CT scan still shows no abnormalities, what additional tests (which can be self-paid) are recommended to identify the cause? A: A whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) scan can be cons...[Read More] Understanding Elevated AFP Levels: Potential Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
I have a hard lump about 1.2 centimeters in size under my armpit that has been present for several years? Several years ago (more than five years), I noticed a small hard lump under my right armpit. It does not have any black spots, feels deep, and does not hurt when touched or p...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Youzi / 27 years old / Female 1. I would like to ask what this condition might be? A: Benign lymphadenopathy, lipoma? Accessory breast tissue? It's really hard to say without a thorough examination (inspection, auscultation, palpation, inquiry). 2. Which department shoul...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lumps in the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Brain tumor issues? Examination Name: MRI Imaging of the Pituitary Gland: The MRI scan of the pituitary gland shows: enlargement of the sella turcica, downward displacement of the sella floor, and an irregular nodular lesion with slightly shorter T2 signal within the sella, with ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Tina / 46 years old / Female, can chemotherapy eliminate the tumor? A: 1. The physician needs to determine the type of cells in order to select the appropriate chemotherapy agents. 2. The location of your tumor may not be suitable for biopsy. 3. Please discuss with your physician...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: MRI Findings and Chemotherapy Options
Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
How does the progression of lung cancer tumor metastasis occur? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the progression of lung cancer tumors. Do they typically spread first through the lymphatic system in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, br...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hua Hua / 66 years old / Female Hello, 1. Can you explain how lung cancer tumors spread? Do they typically start by spreading to the lymph nodes in the lungs and then progress to the trachea, major blood vessels, heart, brain, and bones? A: 1.1 This question is somewhat like fo...[Read More] Understanding the Progression of Lung Cancer Tumor Spread: Key Insights
Can Surgery for Meniscus Tear Spread Cancer Cells in Lymphoma Patients?
Will cancer cells spread during general surgery for conditions other than cancer? Hello Doctor, my mother was recently diagnosed with a meniscus tear in her knee, and now she walks slowly, which affects her daily life. She needs surgery to walk, but at the same time, she has also...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Ms. Sun / 29 years old / Female Hello, 1. May I ask if these two surgeries can be performed simultaneously? A: Orthopedic surgery is an operation, while lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy, which does not require surgery. 2. Is it possible to manage both treatment regimens ...[Read More] Can Surgery for Meniscus Tear Spread Cancer Cells in Lymphoma Patients?
Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recur? Understanding Risks and Diagnosis
Is it possible for nasopharyngeal carcinoma to recur? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my family member. Two and a half years ago, they were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma T1N1 and underwent 33 sessions of proton therapy and 5 cycles of chemotherapy. Subsequent ex...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Ms. Li / 40 years old / Female Hello~~ 1. I would like to ask the doctor~~ Is the diagnosis primarily based on the biopsy report? A: Yes, the diagnosis is primarily based on the biopsy report. However, if there are suspicions and the biopsy is inconclusive, we may repeat the...[Read More] Can Nasopharyngeal Cancer Recur? Understanding Risks and Diagnosis
Post-Treatment Concerns for HPV-Related Tongue Cancer
Post-treatment issues of HPV-related tongue cancer? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. After undergoing chemoradiation for stage 1 HPV-related tongue cancer, it has been 7 months and my sense of taste has not returned. What should I do? The limited mouth ope...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Lily / 70 years old / Female 1. After 7 months of chemoradiation for stage 1 HPV-related tongue cancer, my sense of taste has not returned. What should I do? The limited mouth opening may be due to fibrosis; how can I rehabilitate it? A: To stimulate your sense of taste, try e...[Read More] Post-Treatment Concerns for HPV-Related Tongue Cancer
Can Exercise Help Relieve Itchy Skin from Cancer Treatment Side Effects?
Medication side effects: Does exercise help with dry and itchy skin? Hello doctor, my aunt (67) is undergoing targeted therapy for breast cancer, and her hands and feet are very red and itchy. The last time she scratched, she broke the skin, and the wound hasn't healed yet. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Patient: 67 years old, female 1. I think moderate exercise might be helpful? A: Exercising and sweating is great! You can refer to online articles: "Exercise!" Endorphins are the most powerful and effective antidepressants. We can't avoid exercising just because...[Read More] Can Exercise Help Relieve Itchy Skin from Cancer Treatment Side Effects?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to Consult a Hematologist
The white blood cell count is slightly below the normal range? I have been regularly seeing a cardiologist and getting blood tests every three months (with white blood cell counts checked approximately every six months). During my recent follow-up appointment at the end of April,...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
CY / 52 years old / Female Q: What would be the most suitable course of action for my condition? A: 1. Continuous monitoring 2. There are some dietary supplements for increasing white blood cell count available online 3. Consult with a hematologist, Dr. Chen Sih-Jung at Taoyu...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to Consult a Hematologist
Understanding Your Low-Dose CT Report: Key Findings Explained
Low-Dose Computed Tomography Report Hello, three years ago I had a check-up that was normal. This time I paid out of pocket for another examination and just received the report. It indicates that there is a 3.5 mm ground-glass opacity (GGO) close to the right minor fissure that n...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hope / 39 years old / Female 1. I would like to ask what this means. A: 1.1 A 3.3 mm nodule in the breast cannot be definitively classified as normal or abnormal; it will be considered normal and will be monitored for any growth. However, there is no need to be anxious about i...[Read More] Understanding Your Low-Dose CT Report: Key Findings Explained
Understanding Stage IA1 Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tumor Marker Abnormalities
Stage I lung adenocarcinoma with abnormal tumor markers? Hello Doctor, this is my mother's pathology report from that time. NOMED: 28000-B-M81403, 29000-B-M09450 DX: Lung, right middle lobe, wedge resection - Invasive acinar adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated (G2)...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Huang, 27 years old, male, has been diagnosed with stage I lung cancer. The Cyfra 21-1 level is 4.11, which is greater than the standard of 3.3 (first test). It is advisable to conduct follow-up testing for Cyfra 21-1 earlier, which is out-of-pocket, so you can have it checked ev...[Read More] Understanding Stage IA1 Lung Adenocarcinoma and Tumor Marker Abnormalities
Understanding Neck Lumps: Lipoma vs. Lymph Nodes in Children
Follow-up question #207281 regarding lymph nodes in the neck? Hello Dr. Chen, Thank you very much for your response to the inquiry regarding "lymph nodes in the neck" in article #207281. You mentioned the possibility of a "lipoma," so I would like to ask you ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Kris / 42 years old / Male Q1-2A: I suggest you not to get too caught up in whether it is a lipoma; instead, focus on the current issue and get a neck ultrasound or CT scan. Q3: Dr. Chen, if a "lipoma" forms, is there a possibility that it could disappear on its own...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Lipoma vs. Lymph Nodes in Children
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in the Neck: Common Concerns and Questions
Questions about cervical lymph nodes? Hello Dr. Chen: When I was about 4 to 5 years old, I discovered an oval-shaped mass in the middle of my right neck that was oriented vertically. It felt soft and movable. Although the mass was not very large, it was clearly visible. My mother...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Kris / 42 years old / Male Q1. Is it possible for the lymph nodes to remain enlarged without decreasing in size or disappearing, and still be present today? A: 1.A It is uncertain whether it is a lipoma or a lymph node. 1.B It can still be present. Q2. Dr. Chen, are the lymph...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in the Neck: Common Concerns and Questions
Understanding Treatment Options for Head and Neck Lymphoma: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy
Head and neck lymphatic cancer Hello Doctor: I underwent surgery for a head and neck lymphatic tumor in 2023, and the tumor was diagnosed as stage III lymphoma. Recently, I found another tumor on the left side of my clavicle. I consulted the same hospital and the doctor suggested...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Wei Cheng / 35 years old / Male 1. Most head and neck cancer cells are squamous cells and undifferentiated cells; the decision to perform surgery depends on the location. 2. Lymphoma cells are a type of lymphocyte that has transformed into cancer cells; surgery is not necessa...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Head and Neck Lymphoma: Surgery vs. Chemotherapy
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Lymphatic issues I have been experiencing persistent itching in the genital area, and a few months ago, I noticed a lump on the left side of my genitals. Additionally, I have been having frequent pain during urination and difficulty urinating. Last month, I visited a gynecologist...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Patient: 42-year-old female 1. Gynecological examination 2. Theoretically, there should be no gynecological cancer since the gynecological evaluation has been completed. 3. Lymph nodes can enlarge due to infection, but they may also indicate cancer spread to the lymph nodes...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Axillary Tumors: What to Expect and Next Steps
Axillary tumor Hello Doctor: In the past week or two, I suddenly felt pain in my right armpit, and it also hurts when I raise my arm. There was one instance where I suddenly had a fever, but it went away the next day. I had a routine chest ultrasound scheduled, and I informed the...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello, is the possibility of an axillary lump being a malignant tumor high? 4A 2-10% 4B 10-50% 4C 50-95% (the waiting time for the biopsy results is really agonizing). Is there a chance that the tumor could shrink during this waiting period? Philosophically discussing this issue,...[Read More] Understanding Axillary Tumors: What to Expect and Next Steps
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and Concerns in Oncology
Cervical lymph nodes Last March, I discovered a swollen lymph node in my neck. Since then, I have noticed several more swollen lymph nodes in my neck. I have been continuously monitoring the situation. Initially, an ultrasound was performed, followed by a CT scan of my neck, and ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
1. Is it possible for symptoms like fever and night sweats to appear now if the swollen lymph node was initially lymphoma? A: It is possible, but just a possibility. However, if the lymphoma is present, that lymph node would likely continue to grow. If it hasn't increased in...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and Concerns in Oncology
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and Concerns in Oncology
Cervical lymph nodes Last March, I discovered a swollen lymph node in my neck. Since then, I have noticed an increase in the number of swollen lymph nodes in my neck. I have been continuously monitoring this condition. Initially, an ultrasound was performed, followed by a neck CT...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Mr. Wang / 20 years old / Male 1. Is it possible for a lymphoma that initially presented as a swollen lymph node to now show symptoms of fever and night sweats? A: It is possible, but only a possibility. However, if the lymphoma is present, the swollen lymph node would continue ...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and Concerns in Oncology
Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is a hard lump in the armpit? I am currently 15 years old and noticed a movable, painless lump in my left armpit while showering. I have been using a razor for hair removal and occasionally use deodorant. I'm not sure if these products have caused the lump. Can a derma...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Cici, 15 years old, female, noticed a movable hard lump in her left armpit while showering, which is not painful. A: Although the likelihood of benign lymphadenopathy is higher, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or a general surgeon for confirmation. If it increases in s...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help